With Washington experiencing an average of 1,500 wildfires annually, burning over 400,000 acres in recent years according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD) has implemented a comprehensive Wildfire Mitigation Plan and a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) strategy to address wildfire risks in high-threat areas. These efforts aim to reduce the potential for utility-related fires while ensuring reliable power delivery, PUD says.
One can observe the PUD’s commitment to safety through its targeted tree-trimming program. Crews focus on clearing trees, limbs, and brush near power lines in high-risk areas like Darrington, Gold Bar, and Index. Annually, the PUD trims over 500 miles of vegetation to prevent outages and reduce wildfire risk. This mitigation effort is critical, as overgrown vegetation near power lines can spark fires during dry, windy conditions common in Washington’s summer months.
The PUD is also strengthening its infrastructure through the SnoSMART project, funded by a $30 million Department of Energy grant. By installing wireless smart grid devices, Snohomish County residents will see system operators gain greater control over equipment in the field, enhancing the ability to monitor and respond to potential issues. These upgrades are part of broader mitigation efforts to ensure the grid can withstand extreme weather and reduce wildfire risk in vulnerable areas.
When wildfire risk escalates, PUD implements “alternative settings” on equipment in high-risk zones. These settings prevent fallen wires from remaining energized, minimizing the chance of sparking a fire. Additionally, during high-ignition risk periods, PUD crews switch to battery-powered chainsaws instead of gas-powered ones, as required by the Department of Natural Resources’ Industrial Fire Protection Level (IFPL). Crews are equipped with water cans, fire extinguishers, and firefighting tools to further support wildfire risk mitigation efforts.
Since May, the PUD’s Wildfire Risk Team have been meeting weekly to assess wildfire risk factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind. Based on these evaluations, they may disable select reclosers—devices that automatically restore power after a fault—to prevent sparks if a power line or pole falls. This proactive approach strengthens the PUD’s ability to manage wildfire risk effectively.
In the rare instances of extreme fire conditions, PUD implements the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) de-energizing entire circuits in vulnerable areas to prevent equipment from sparking fires. This measure prioritizes safety, and the PUD has a robust communication plan to keep residents informed before, during, and after a PSPS.
As wildfires continue to pose a growing threat, the PUD’s latest measures now align with Washington state’s 2024 legislative requirements for utilities to develop wildfire mitigation plans.
Author: Mario Lotmore
